Hi there. You guys seem to be the obvious experts and I was wondering if you could tell me what I have here. Many years ago, my Grandmother gave me a bamboo combination rod and I just re-discovered it and am trying to research it. Mainly, I’d like to find out if this is something I should take out to the creek and throw flies with, or if it’s something special (which I doubt). The rod has four sections with the base section having a reversible handle/reel seat. The makers logo is mostly worn off, but used to be a horizontally stretched red diamond with a white border and white lettering inside. Specifics are unreadable but seem to have been cursive script. Next to the logo is hand written in yellowish ink “M/27”. Below that is a worn sticker that says “Genuine Tonkin Cane”. That’s all for markings. Reel handle is cork. Reel seat area is black plastic. Rod is hexagonal. Length in casting configuration (2 pieces) is 67". Length in fly configuration (3 pieces) is 8 feet 7 inches. Casting configuration is straight. Fly configuration has a slight warp resulting in a deviation at the tip of 3.5 inches (right) and an associated drop of an inch or two. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much in advance for your time.
From the description of the red diamond logo and the M/(number) it sounds to me like you have a Sport King rod from Montgomery Ward.
Normally you should be able to find one on eBay to compare photos with, but I didn’t see any when I looked just now
What you probably have is an H and I. If memory serves me that was one of their logos. I don’t have any reference materials in front of me right now but will look into it when I get home.
Decals are useful for dating Horrocks-Ibbotson rods. The diamond with the UTK logo dates from 1905 until World War I. This logo is usually stamped into the reel seat, but also appears as a decal. The Trout logo decal was then used until 1929. It is rarely seen and is the most beautiful of the H-I decals. Next to appear was an elongated Double Diamond with Utica, NY inside; it was used until 1933. In 1934, a double-diamond logo including the banner reading Best by Test was introduced and was used until 1939. Next came the fanciest of all H-I decals featuring a bright red H-I on a white diamond and accompanied by two banners reading Fish Rod and Genuine Tonkin Cane. The decal of the early 1950’s was rectangular with a small gold foil diamond logo. The final decal was a simple red diamond with a large white H-I.
fishhunterd, That rod is definately made by Horrocks Ibbottson and sold by Montgomery Wards. It is a combo rod. Just rebuilt one for my cousin. Try a 6 wt line on it, should work nicely. Value in good condition is about a hundred bucks. According to info I found it sold for a whopping $9.95 in 1951. Take it out and fish it! Enjoy!
